to restore her to herself, and angrily 
addressing the woman she said : 

" What is the meaning of this improper behaviour ? 
Are you out of your senses ? Has  turned your 
brain ? Good woman, I  you ! But let us pass on ; 
you are mistaken." 

" Mistaken ! " repeated the woman, with a bitter smile. 
" Me mistaken ! No, no, there is no mistake ! Just look 
at her pale, guilty looks ! Hark how her very teeth rattle 
in her head ! Ah, she knows well enough there is no 

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THE LETTER. 

mistake ! Ah, you may hold your wicked tongue if you 
like, but justice will find a way to make you speak. 
You shall go with me before the mayor ; do you hear ? 
Oh, it is not worth while resisting ! I have good strong 
wrists ; I can hold you. And sooner than you should 
escape I would carry you every step of the way." 

" You good-for-nothing, insolent woman ! How dare 
you presume to speak in this way to my dear friend and 
sister ? " 

" Your sister. Mile. Clara ! Believe me, it is you who 
are deceived  it is you who have lost your senses," 
bawled the enraged milk-woman, in a